The Churches of St Margaret and St Mary in Tivetshall

There has been a settlement in the Tivetshall area since Roman times and evidence of a villa, with many artefacts from this era, has been located here. Tivetshall is mentioned in the Doomsday Book (two names used are Tevetishhala and Totessalla), but even before the conquest it as a single institution bound to the Manor. A more recent name, on the Elizabethan silver chalice of 1573, was TETSAL. There were two churches for the two Parishes, of St Mary and St Margaret, about one mile apart. The two churches are fourteenth century, united by the Manor, with St Mary’s being referred as “The Mother Church”. In 2019 the two Parishes were merged to form Tivetshall.

In 2020 Tivetshall joined the Diss Team Ministry and have enjoyed the benefits of a larger Benefice. We have been warmly welcomed and supported by the other parishes.

St Margaret’s

St Margaret’s Church is situated away from the village and surrounded by fields and outlying farm buildings. The churchyard, albeit crowded, is well maintained, with the customary Yew tree near the WW2 memorial.

The earliest surviving relic is an unmarked twelfth century tomb in the Chancel which is thought to be dedicated to the Chancel’s founder. Also of interest are the medieval bench ends which are now in very poor condition; they add to the charm of this very simple atmospheric church.

The main point of interest is the huge 1587 Elizabethan tympanum (above). This was erected above the rood screen during the national crisis before the Spanish Armada. It is one of the few left in England which stretches across the church from the top of the rood screen to the roof. The lion and unicorn flank the vast coat of arms with God Save Our Queen Elizabeth painted beneath. The design includes the symbols of the other four Tudor monarchs as well as the badge of Elizabeth’s mother, Anne Boleyn. One writer remarked on seeing it that:

‘yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift, in a quiet, ancient, numinous space where all our concerns may be left in God’s hands.’

Such is the interest in the Tympanum it has been featured David Dimbleby’s “The Seven Ages of Britain” and David Starkey’s “Monarchy” series.

A biennial flower festival is held in the church which is always well supported and a major part of our fund raising. For the last two years we have been selling plants in the porch which has also proved to be a success.

St Mary’s

St Mary’s Church fell into disrepair in the 1940s and accounts of what exactly caused this vary. Accounts include a sonic boom, an accident involving American bombers in 1944 and a plane clipping the Church tower in 1947. Whatever did occur to cause the destruction of St Mary’s some good did come from it in that materials from the building were used to renovate St Margaret’s. Fourteenth century glass was removed from the east window and reinstalled in St Margaret’s along with the reuse of tiles. The church plate was never fully discovered although one chalice from the sixteenth century was recovered and is on display at Norwich Cathedral. There are many stories of apparitions the most famous of which is the old man who walks his black dog. It was said that fields of cattle would part, startled to let the man and his dog through.

Nowadays St Mary’s and its churchyard are a haven for birds; snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells grow in abundance.

Remembrance

The WW1 memorial was repaired and rededicated in 2000 and each Armistice Day a Service of Remembrance is held which is always well attended. Both churchyards are loved and maintained by a small group of volunteers.

Our Services page shows all services across our Benefice.